Any "good" and cheap solar filters out there?

[Paco 316]

I've looked at all the places I usually purchase my photo stuff. Now, I want cheap because this might be just the only time I'll probably use it (Eclipse on Aug 21st.)

They all seem to be out of stock or they will arrive after Aug. 21st, I'm assuming they are shipping from China.

I'm also buying the cheapo but nice little m.Zuiko 40-150mm, it's in my cart, but won't buy it if I can't get my hands on a Solar Filter, what would be the purpose right?

Please help!

P.S. DPreview's search engine really sucks. My apologies if this has been asked before.

 

[User5456214890]

Check out B&H photo. They have in stock what you are looking for I think.

FWIW, I think you need to get up to 250-300mm FL and a 1.4 teleconverter if you can. JMHO.

 

[gpb11]

My suggestions:

Baader AstroSolar Film: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072XPB9NS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Daystar filter (choose the appropriate size): https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...filters_ulf70_70mm_universal_lens_filter.html

I wouldn't go with a screw-in filter as you need to be able to take it off quickly at the start of totality and put it back on quickly at the end. The Baader comes with instructions to make your own mounting disc/tube out of posterboard, the Daystar folds up into its own tube. A bit of bubblewrap can help with any size inconsistencies.

Note that the Daystar I have seems to be about ND5.7, a couple stops denser than the ND5.0 many of the suggested exposures assume. The Baader is supposed to be ND5.0 but I've not received mine yet so I haven't tested it.

 

[Paco 316]

Check out B&H photo. They have in stock what you are looking for I think.

FWIW, I think you need to get up to 250-300mm FL and a 1.4 teleconverter if you can. JMHO.

Thank you for the suggestion. Unless I rent a lens with your suggested FL, I have no intention of owning such lens. I was thinking to just do the digital tele-converter on my E-M5 mk2 and perhaps crop it even more on post.

I have tried B&H, but they won't have anything in stock 'til the ninth.

Thank you again and, good shooting on the 21st!

 

[Paco 316]

My suggestions:

Baader AstroSolar Film: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072XPB9NS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Daystar filter (choose the appropriate size): https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...filters_ulf70_70mm_universal_lens_filter.html

I wouldn't go with a screw-in filter as you need to be able to take it off quickly at the start of totality and put it back on quickly at the end. The Baader comes with instructions to make your own mounting disc/tube out of posterboard, the Daystar folds up into its own tube. A bit of bubblewrap can help with any size inconsistencies.

Note that the Daystar I have seems to be about ND5.7, a couple stops denser than the ND5.0 many of the suggested exposures assume. The Baader is supposed to be ND5.0 but I've not received mine yet so I haven't tested it.

 

[erichK]

Just be very sure that you have completely covered the input aperture of your viewing/photographing instrument. You will be dealing with direct sunlight, including its Ultraviolet components, further refracted through your lens. Be sure that it fits fully and snugly, and that there are no pinhole or cracks leaking light. Practice a lot before the eclipse, always by starting just outside the sun's radius, and try taking some photos well before the eclipse.

Do check out the quality of that filter and your equipment. If the photos used to advertise it on Ebay were actually taken with iy, then it is an incredible bargain, I rather doubt that, as an active stargazer for many years, and past VP and president of the saskatoon chapter of the Royal Astronomical society. Good solar filters tend to cost a lot more.

 

[Paco 316]

Just be very sure that you have completely covered the input aperture of your viewing/photographing instrument. You will be dealing with direct sunlight, including its Ultraviolet components, further refracted through your lens. Be sure that it fits fully and snugly, and that there are no pinhole or cracks leaking light. Practice a lot before the eclipse, always by starting just outside the sun's radius, and try taking some photos well before the eclipse.

Do check out the quality of that filter and your equipment. If the photos used to advertise it on Ebay were actually taken with iy, then it is an incredible bargain, I rather doubt that, as an active stargazer for many years, and past VP and president of the saskatoon chapter of the Royal Astronomical society. Good solar filters tend to cost a lot more.

 

[Impulses]

Heh, you might've waited too long... I bought two on Amazon on July 1 for like $30/ea. (Solomark brand), had them by the 60th, they're apparently not even listed anymore as my order page item link errors out.

I bought the one Cameralabs recommended IIRC, with Baader film and adaptable to fit any of the lenses I'd use (66-94mm outside diameter). You could always stack some NDs but I'm not sure I'd risk it.

I'll only be seeing a partial in Puerto Rico too, still haven't decided whether I wanna borrow my mother's 100-300 or just shoot a time lapse with one of my wides.

 

[Paco 316]

I'll only be seeing a partial in Puerto Rico too, still haven't decided whether I wanna borrow my mother's 100-300 or just shoot a time lapse with one of my wides.

I would do both! If... of course you have two cameras. If you do, shoot the sun with your mom's 100-300 and do the time lapse with your wide angle lens, kill one bird with to stones LOL!

Thanks, and yes, I think I did wait too long. Good shooting!

 

[gpb11]

Thanks, and yes, I think I did wait too long. Good shooting!

FYI seems you can still get Baader or Thousand Oaks film and make your own attachment.

Both in stock at the moment:

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www.amazon.com

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www.amazon.com

Instructions to make the mount out of bubble gum and baling twine posterboard and tape and glue: http://astrosolar.com/en/informatio...ve-solar-filter-for-your-camera-or-telescope/

 

[Paco 316]

Thanks, and yes, I think I did wait too long. Good shooting!

FYI seems you can still get Baader or Thousand Oaks film and make your own attachment.

Both in stock at the moment:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072XPB9NS

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DS7IFQS

Instructions to make the mount out of bubble gum and baling twine posterboard and tape and glue: http://astrosolar.com/en/informatio...ve-solar-filter-for-your-camera-or-telescope/